Skate for Sweetser
Saturday, Jan. 31st, 1 – 4 PM
51 Main Street, Kennebunk
Donations to Sweetser are welcome!
Come enjoy an afternoon of skating at the Waterhouse Center in Kennebunk (51 Main St) on Saturday, January 31st from 1pm-4pm. Rolling Spirits Luxury Mobile Bar will be there providing cozy treats and beverages.
The holidays can be a joyous time of year, but for some it may be a struggle. One of the biggest challenges that people may face during the holidays and into the new year is grief from the loss of a family member or loved one.
WMTW’s Ronnie Parrillo sat down with Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan to discuss dealing with grief and loss during the holiday season.
Watch the full segment below:
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 988 at any time. You can also call Sweetser’s Peer Support Line at 866-771-9276.
When someone is overwhelmed, in crisis, or unsure where to look for a path toward change, knowing the right number to call can make reaching support faster and far less stressful. Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette sat down with WGME’s Adrienne Stein to discuss the differences among Maine’s key mental health resource lines ensures that people receive the most valuable help at the most opportune time.
Watch the full segment below:
You can read the full article here.
Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan, stopped by WGAN to chat with Steve Woods and Dr. Jeff Barkin as they discuss how Sweetser plans on serving the youth of Maine with the first psychiatric residential treatment facility for our state coming in 2026.
Between work demands, school schedules, and family commitments, friendships often slip to the bottom of many parents’ to‑do lists. But mental health experts say staying connected with friends isn’t just a luxury — it’s essential for emotional wellbeing.
On a recent episode of WGME’s Raising Me parenting podcast, Joanne Grant, Sweetser’s Chief Growth Officer, joined host Adrienne Stein to explore how adult friendships shift throughout the parenting journey. Whether you’re in the thick of sleepless newborn nights or navigating the quiet of an empty nest, Grant says friendships play a critical role in reducing stress, easing feelings of isolation, and even strengthening how we show up as parents.
Sweetser recently received a generous donation of $4,180 to support mental health services in the Sanford/Springvale communities. This contribution was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Sanford Masonic Lodge, Preble Lodge #143, pictured here alongside Sweetser staff member Hannah Williams (second from the left) and Sweetser staff member Liz Smith (far right).
The funds were raised through a successful bowling tournament, showcasing the lodge’s commitment to philanthropy and its dedication to supporting local charities. We are grateful for their partnership in strengthening mental health resources for our community!
The Sweetser Holiday Gift Tag Program wrapped up with joy! Thank you to everyone who donated—your generosity will bring moments of joy to so many this season. Our Sweetser elves had plenty of gifts to wrap thanks to you! 🎁✨
These donations will provide gifts for children in our crisis and residential programs throughout the state. Sweetser has been spreading holiday cheer to kids in residential care since 1828.
Liz Feeny, Andreea Barsan, Karli Griffin, and Brittnie Chase at Systems Engineering with Sara, our Sweetser elf.
GVS North America with Sara, our Sweetser elf.
Sea Dog Brewing Company, Scarborough
Cassie Moon delivering stockings to Sara, our Sweetser elf.
Esther Birkinbine & family delivering stockings to Sara, our Sweetser elf.
For many people, the holiday season brings joy, connection, and celebration. But for others, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and the weeks surrounding them can intensify stress, loneliness, or emotional struggles. The truth is simple: mental health challenges don’t take a holiday—and neither does receiving help.
Joanne Grant, Sweetser’s Chief Growth Officer, stopped by WMTW Channel 8 to highlight the resources available to Mainers who need support during this time of year, reminding us that hope is always within reach, no matter the date on the calendar.
Watch the full segment to learn more about Sweetser’s Crisis Residential Units:
Every Maine child should be able to enjoy the light of the holiday season. We are grateful to our friends Jon, Joe, and Courtney with 101.0 WPOR, the team at Whoopie 100.9, and their many listeners for supporting the youth we serve at Sweetser.
Every year, they help fulfill the holiday wishes of children in our residential, crisis, and educational programs. They had a little visit at the radio station from our resident Sweetser elf, Justin Chenette.